Yesterday we found out that Robinson Cano, Jeff McNeil, and Amed Rosario would be out of the starting lineup when the Mets started a two-game series vs. the Nationals. So far, two of those players have avoided the injured list, but Cano didn’t at will be out at least 10 games with a left adductor strain. Hopefully that means that McNeil (intercostal) and Rosario (quad) will be back in action soon.

The Mets’ lineup could sure use the boost after it mustered just three runs last night with Brian Dozier and Ryan Cordell in the lineup. Those two aren’t a pair you want starting every day, but at least Cordell was just designated for assignment when the Mets traded cash to the Rangers for right-handed pitcher Ariel Jurado.

Then again, we have Billy Hamilton starting in center field tonight instead of Cordell. I’m not sure if that’s an improvement, but Hamilton more of an exciting player for sure.

That bottom half of the lineup is not great, but Gimenez is looking more and more like he’s going to be a mainstay. The kid has made solid contact so far and he can play good defense at third base or shortstop. He’s got wheels too, which is something the Mets have lacked in recent years. You can tell from Luis Rojas moving him up in the lineup that the Mets need Gimenez to step up with Rosario and McNeil sidelined.

Another guy who needs to step up is the guy we’re counting on to carry the team. It’s no secret that Pete Alonso has not been great so far, and yesterday he struck out in a huge spot with the tying runs on base in the top of the seventh. Polar Bear is hitting just .174/.333/.239 in 2020 with one home run. Sure, he’s taken some walks, but the lack of solid contact has been disturbing.

At least Michael Conforto stayed out with an opposite-field home run last night. Plus, it was off of left-handed pitcher Patrick Corbin.

The Mets face an uphill battle tonight with Rick Porcello on the mound against Max Scherzer. That’s one of the worst pitching matchups I can think of right now, but you never know with baseball!